Random Insomnia Questions

[TheRATT]

So I’m not sleeping too well tonight and a question just came to me:

I see lots of really nice audio microphones (like for performers for way less than they cost new. Is there any reason one could not wire up one of these for transmitting on a radio?

jigger up a PTT and catch as catch can mount/stand? Put an EQ in line?

Obviously I’m talking about for a base station use, I definitely don’t have the skills to build one that won’t end up clunky!

thanks for reading my ridiculous pondering.

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I use this on my Stryker 955 with rack gear. But all that's really needed is a microphone preamp.

http://www.w2ihy.com/interface-boxes/ibox.html

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

If you use an EQ or rack gear, I suggest setting it up and listening to yourself with headphones so you can get an idea of what knob does what. I had this on the kitchen table for a week and a half. My wife was not happy. Haha.

 

[TheRATT]

I use this on my Stryker 955 with rack gear. But all that's really needed is a microphone preamp.

http://www.w2ihy.com/interface-boxes/ibox.html

How does the PTT activate?

I’m simple minded when it comes to electronics, is this basically an really cool power mic? If we were to say, put a D104 at the input, what would it look like down the chain to the radio? Overkill?

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

How does the PTT activate?

I’m simple minded when it comes to electronics, is this basically an really cool power mic? If we were to say, put a D104 at the input, what would it look like down the chain to the radio? Overkill?

The ptt can be a simple switch like this.
http://www.w2ihy.com/ptt-switch/ptt-switch.html

You can use this to put an equalizer in line with a d104 but there are other eq devices that would just plug right into the radio and microphone.

The studio mic has much flatter response than a d104 and other radio mics. It is really a big difference. Of course it would still be limited to the audio capability of the radio.

 

[TheRATT]

If you use an EQ or rack gear, I suggest setting it up and listening to yourself with headphones so you can get an idea of what knob does what. I had this on the kitchen table for a week and a half. My wife was not happy. Haha.

View attachment 36152

I’m learning!

what are the rest of the boxes in chain?

What is the purpose of the two identical boxes (that I do not know the name of?

And now that I’m down this rabbit hole: With this iBox, does it make getting the very best microphone Ivan worth it or is there a “cut off” where there are diminishing returns?

Sorry if this seems really basic, I’m just getting into this aspect of the hobby!

 

[TheRATT]

The studio mic has much flatter response than a d104 and other radio mics. It is really a big difference. Of course it would still be limited to the audio capability of the radio.

So the flatter response, this would be where the EQ comes in allowing you to set your profile? Giving you (basically) infinite tuning adjustments compared to a power mic which just has the preamp dial?

If I’m using the wrong terms feel free to set me straight!

This has really got me intrigued as it seems one could really create their own custom sound that would be even more unmistakable than just buying a classic power mic (Astatic, Turner).

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I’m learning!

what are the rest of the boxes in chain?

What is the purpose of the two identical boxes (that I do not know the name of?

And now that I’m down this rabbit hole: With this iBox, does it make getting the very best microphone Ivan worth it or is there a “cut off” where there are diminishing returns?

Sorry if this seems really basic, I’m just getting into this aspect of the hobby!

The way mine is set up, I have a preamp and an equalizer that are both tube driven. (the two smaller black boxes) The big box is a Berringer Composer Pro that has a noise gate, peak limiting compression and a couple of other features. I am only using the left half of it.




Most people will say that this is overkill and they may be right, but it does make a difference. People pay hundreds of dollars for a microphone and that I believe is overkill. You can get great results with a microphone under $40. Add a preamp that has a couple of EQ knobs and you are in business.

The EQ is really only needed to compensate for the limitations of the transmitter, once a quality microphone is in use. Traditional radio audio can sound much like the space shuttle, where great audio that approaches the broadcast studio quality can be had without too much effort.

Along with great audio, care must be taken to operate your transmitter in a clean way or it will all be for nothing. Clipped or bypassed limiters in the radio are the opposite of what we are doing here.

This is one of my favorite rabbit holes, the real question is "how much money do you want to spend?". It doesn't have to be a lot to get good results. Now you have some reading to do, this is how you find out where the rabbit hole goes.

This link has a ton of information for side band as well as AM.

http://www.nu9n.com/intro.html

 

[Shadetree Mechanic]

I also suggest using a second radio with headphones and no antenna as a station monitor. This way you can hear your transmitted audio and it will help you set the level of any microphone you want to use. It is amazing how many people get the mic level too high because they don't know. They go by radio checks, but if the person listening doesn't know the difference then it ends up sounding scratchy.

I would not operate a station without one. The Cobra 148 under the front edge of the desk on the right is my monitor radio. I have an extra set of cables for the radio on the desk to set up mic levels for the radios going into my vehicles too.